THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride two iconic Los Angeles surf breaks along the Pacific Coast Highway, then refuel with a private beach picnic. Small groups, all gear supplied, and guided instruction make this a low-stress way to experience SoCal surf culture.
Ride two iconic Los Angeles surf breaks along the Pacific Coast Highway, then refuel with a private beach picnic. Small groups, all gear supplied, and guided instruction make this a low-stress way to experience SoCal surf culture.
A morning on the Pacific Coast Highway unfolds like a film sequence: wind through the open-air van, salt spray on your forearms, and the ocean opening up in slabby blues and white lines. Guides park at two of the region’s famed breaks—areas that draw longboarders at dawn and newcomers testing first pop-ups—then hand out boards and wetsuits before you push into the surf.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Santa Monica Surf Tours · Santa Monica, California
A morning on the Pacific Coast Highway unfolds like a film sequence: wind through the open-air van, salt spray on your forearms, and the ocean opening up in slabby blues and white lines. Guides park at two of the region’s famed breaks—areas that draw longboarders at dawn and newcomers testing first pop-ups—then hand out boards and wetsuits before you push into the surf.
The Los Angeles shoreline has a layered past: a working coastline of fishing and shipping in the 19th century, then surf culture that blossomed mid-20th century at places like Malibu and Venice. Geologically the coast is young sandstone and cobble, shaped by wave energy that creates the right breaks for longboards and soft-top lessons. Culturally, the tour taps into Southern California’s casual surf ethos—friendly instruction, local lingo, and a picnic that leans toward beach-friendly fare.
Practically, expect a 5-hour loop with short drives between breaks, guided instruction for all levels, and a private picnic on a quieter stretch of sand. Guides supply wetsuits, boards, towels, and a changing poncho; groups top out at six for individualized coaching. Plan to arrive with sunscreen applied, a swimsuit underneath, and basic swimming comfort.
Timing matters: mornings tend to have cleaner surf and lighter winds; late afternoons can bring stronger offshore winds and crowds. Hydrate, listen to your guide about rip currents, and treat the beach respectfully—leave no trace. This tour is as much about feeling the coast’s energy as it is about catching your first real wave.
No—this tour accommodates beginners with guided instruction, but being comfortable in the water and knowing how to swim is required.
Guides provide wetsuits, surfboards, towels, and a changing poncho; bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Meet in the Santa Monica area; short drives along PCH (10–30 minutes) connect the chosen breaks depending on conditions.
Tours cancel for unsafe ocean conditions; operators typically allow full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance or for bad weather.
Santa Monica Surf Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A morning on the Pacific Coast Highway unfolds like a film sequence: wind through the open-air van, salt spray on your forearms, and the ocean opening up in slabby blues and white lines. Guides park at two of the region’s famed breaks—areas that draw longboarders at dawn and newcomers testing first pop-ups—then hand out boards and wetsuits before you push into the surf.
A morning on the Pacific Coast Highway unfolds like a film sequence: wind through the open-air van, salt spray on your forearms, and the ocean opening up in slabby blues and white lines. Guides park at two of the region’s famed breaks—areas that draw longboarders at dawn and newcomers testing first pop-ups—then hand out boards and wetsuits before you push into the surf.
The Los Angeles shoreline has a layered past: a working coastline of fishing and shipping in the 19th century, then surf culture that blossomed mid-20th century at places like Malibu and Venice. Geologically the coast is young sandstone and cobble, shaped by wave energy that creates the right breaks for longboards and soft-top lessons. Culturally, the tour taps into Southern California’s casual surf ethos—friendly instruction, local lingo, and a picnic that leans toward beach-friendly fare.
Practically, expect a 5-hour loop with short drives between breaks, guided instruction for all levels, and a private picnic on a quieter stretch of sand. Guides supply wetsuits, boards, towels, and a changing poncho; groups top out at six for individualized coaching. Plan to arrive with sunscreen applied, a swimsuit underneath, and basic swimming comfort.
Timing matters: mornings tend to have cleaner surf and lighter winds; late afternoons can bring stronger offshore winds and crowds. Hydrate, listen to your guide about rip currents, and treat the beach respectfully—leave no trace. This tour is as much about feeling the coast’s energy as it is about catching your first real wave.